Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning: Add Bold, Spicy Flavor to Everything

Craving that fiery kick you get from peri peri chicken or spiced-up fries? This Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning is everything you need to bring bold, smoky, and savory heat to your kitchen—no bottle required.

Made with just 10 pantry spices, this blend comes together in minutes and works magic on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even snacks like popcorn or fries. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself sprinkling it on everything.

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Why I Love This Recipe

Store-bought peri peri blends can be pricey or loaded with additives. This version is pure, customizable heat—made with common ingredients, no preservatives, and zero filler. It’s also incredibly versatile, from marinating proteins to amping up casseroles.

Best of all, you can easily tweak the spice level, sweetness, or herbal notes to fit your vibe.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

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Directions

1. Mix It Up
   In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients:
   • Paprika
   • Cayenne pepper
   • Garlic powder
   • Onion powder
   • Dried oregano
   • Dried thyme
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Ground cumin
   • Sugar (if using)
2. Blend Well
   Stir until the mixture is uniform. Use immediately or store.

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Usage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
• Shake before use, as some of the finer powders may settle over time.
• Use it for:
  • Dry rubs on grilled chicken, wings, or fish
  • Stirring into olive oil or yogurt for marinades
  • Sprinkling on fries, roasted potatoes, or popcorn
  • Mixing into mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for spicy dips
  • Boosting flavor in casseroles and sheet pan meals

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Adjusting the Heat

Peri peri is famously spicy, but you’re in control here:

• Milder version: Reduce cayenne to ½ tsp.
• Spicier kick: Double the cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Smoky twist: Substitute smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

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What to Use It On

Want to test out your new seasoning? Here are flavor-packed recipes from ChefManiac that would pair beautifully with a peri peri boost:

• Use it as a rub or side sprinkle with these Easy Turkey Wings.
• Stir it into filling or top these Sheet Pan Quesadillas for extra zip.
• Add it to the mix in this Dorito Casserole for a bold flavor upgrade.
• Swap it in for Cajun spice in this Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a different kind of heat.
• Sprinkle it into this Beer Cheese Dip to turn up the volume on a party favorite.

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Storage & Shelf Life

• Store in an airtight jar or spice container.
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Stays flavorful for up to 6 months, though it rarely lasts that long!

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More Recipes You’ll Love

Keep that bold flavor train going with these hits from the ChefManiac archives:

• These Easy Turkey Wings
• This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
• This Dorito Casserole
• These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• This Beer Cheese Dip

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Final Thoughts

This Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning is fiery, fragrant, and fun to make. It brings the kind of bold, craveable flavor that makes meals feel exciting again—whether you’re throwing chicken on the grill or turning Tuesday night fries into something special.

Tag @ChefManiac if you use it in your kitchen—we’d love to see how you spice things up! 🔥🌶️

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